American Southwest

Desert mountain biking is unlike any other terrain. Whether it's Arizona, Utah, Nevada or New Mexico, this area should be on every riders hit list. It's the perfect escape in the spring and fall months to get on the bike early or ride into the cooler months. Just don't fall on anything prickly.

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Mountain Biking in American Southwest

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When to Visit

Best Time to Go

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Plan Smarter

Know Before You Go

Insider tips and perks for your trip to American Southwest, curated by our experts.

Tips

Tips for Your Trip

The best time to go is the spring and fall months, when the weather is cooler. Technically, many of these areas are ridable year-round, depending on the location and elevation, but the summer months can be unbearably hot. We always recommend April and September as prime times to be there.
Be sure to choose an area where the trail network is going to match your ability level and endurance. We don't recommend beginners hit Captain Ahab even when they have their hearts set on slick rock and downhill shuttling. Know what you are getting into and work with our team to select the ideally suited package. We'll get you geared up with a guide and experience that matches your groups goals.
Water, water, and more water. If you're the type of rider to just carry a single water bottle in your cage, you're going to want to rethink that strategy. In the midday sun, it gets out and you'll dry out fast. You'll want a camelback or hip pack to carry lots of water during the ride. Also necessary are suncreen sticks, good riding sunglasses (mostly for dust that gets kicked up), and chapstick.
Be sure to come prepared. Spare tubes, multitool, extra gloves, and a quick rain layer are essential. The weather and conditions can change pretty rapidly in the desert, with storm systems moving in quickly. We also recommend bringing your own pedals and shoes if you plan on renting a bike. Guides will often carry a lot of different supplies and be ready to help out when issues come up, but being prepared is key here as you may be far away from support or a town.

Perks

The Perks

The landscape in this area is spectacular and unique to each region and riding area. One thing that they all have in common is spectacular views, terrain that you won't find anywhere else, and critters and wildlife along the trails. You're bound to spend as much time looking off trail as you are ahead. Mesas, arch formations, unique sandstone landscapes, and sand that ranges from light yellow to deep red.
The terrain, in particular slick rock areas, will have you ascending things you never thought possible. It's a terrific place to progress your riding skills. You'll be looking back at trail sections and saying "did I really just climb that." The downhill can be equally as fun. With flow trails and shuttle areas, you can track some high-speed descents and allow your bike to carry down some technical sections that will have you clambering for more.
The food scene here can be a mixed bag, but if you are a fan of southwestern food and local breweries, most of these regions deliver. With a heavy influence from Mexico, fresh ingredients and tortillas, combined with a cold beer at the end of a full day of riding, will have you kicking back and talking through the next trail network to hit.
The number of trail networks in the region is astonishing. Each zone has a unique flavor to it, but what they all have is extensive trail systems that span large swaths of undeveloped and wildlands. You can be in an area for 5 days and not see a vehicle, other than the occassional shuttle van delivering a group to a new trailhead. There are lots of protected lands and campsite areas here that do not have big RVs or services, making it have a more rustic and authentic feel.

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